Travelocity Puts an Around-the-World Trip up for Grabs with the Great Gnome Nabbing

Published 10:36 PM ET Sat, 10 Nov 2012
Business Wire

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CONTEST WINNER + GUEST WILL TAKE THE ULTIMATE ROAM: AN AROUND THE WORLD ADVENTURE WITH THE ROAMING GNOME VALUED AT $65,000

SOUTHLAKE, Texas & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Eight years ago, the Travelocity Roaming Gnome was nabbed from a garden in Durham, N.C., and ever since then has been on the adventure of a lifetime. Now, he wants to turn the tables and do some nabbing of his own.

Beginning today through Oct. 20th, U.S. based travelers 21-years-old and over can submit a one-minute video at www.gnomenabbed.com telling the Roaming Gnome and the world why they should be nabbed from their homes in Anytown, USA and taken on a whirlwind trip around the globe featuring business class flights, first-rate accommodations, unforgettable sights and the opportunity to make a difference with Travelocity Travel for Good volunteer activities.

“For years, friends and followers of the Roaming Gnome and our brand have wondered what it would be like to go with him on one of his adventures,” said Brad Wilson, chief marketing officer, North America, Travelocity. “With the Great Gnome Nabbing we are giving the people what they want - the opportunity to experience an exhilarating journey with the Roaming Gnome that will be documented every step of the way.”

Following the initial entry phase, the Great Gnome Nabbing video submissions will be narrowed down to 10 finalists. The grand prize winner will not only be whisked away for the trip of a lifetime, but his/her likeness will be a part of a Travelocity-produced television ad that will air nationally later this year. The nine finalists will receive $2,000 to be used toward a vacation of their choosing.

The journey itself will be kept secret even to the winner, but he/she will get to experience the comforts of business class travel on the following Star Alliance airlines: Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. and TAP Portugal.

During the first week of the contest, a flurry of activity related to the Great Gnome Nabbing will occur in New York City and Los Angeles. On Tuesday, Oct. 2 and Wednesday, Oct. 3, eligible contestants can submit their videos at New York City’s Madison Square Park in one of several kiosks that will be set up around the Roaming Gnome’s very own “stakeout” car. Street teams will help hand out fun promotional materials, direct people to kiosks and on both days Travelocity will be giving away one $1,000 promo code each hour (22 total) good for redemption on a Travelocity vacation package or hotel of their choice. Also on Tuesday, Oct. 2, The Roaming Gnome will make his late night TV debut.

Travelocity worked closely with NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, in coordinating the two-day event at Madison Square Park.

"Travelocity has been a longtime partner of NYC & Company, and we are excited to welcome the Roaming Gnome back to New York City and help him kick off The Great Gnome Nabbing Contest,” said Jane Reiss, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of NYC & Company. “We encourage everyone to visit the Roaming Gnome on his ‘stakeout' in Madison Square Park and take advantage of this amazing opportunity to win a trip of a lifetime around the world.”

For more information on the Great Gnome Nabbing, including full contest rules, go to www.gnomenabbed.com. Follow all of the action related to the contest on Twitter using #gnomenabbed and on Travelocity’s official Facebook page.

About Travelocity Global

Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion – before, during and after the trip – and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.